Origin I: NSW Player Ratings

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Brought the ball back with plenty of gusto and forced a line dropout but will be disappointed with a couple of uncharacteristic errors under the high ball. 5.5/10

2. Blake Ferguson

Brought plenty of early aggression in both attack and defence but didn't have the impact we're used to seeing from him. 6/10

3. Michael Jennings

Made several half breaks but didn't reach the heights of his amazing Game Two from last year. 6.5/10

18. Josh Morris

Looked to have scored a crucial try with 15 minutes to go but was denied by the bunker instead. Kept Greg Inglis very quiet all night but knocked on from a penalty tap in a moment he'd like to have over. 6.5/10

5. Josh Mansour

Won his side a penalty with his first touch in Origin but was outpointed by his opposite number Dane Gagai. He'll be better for the run. 6/10

6. James Maloney

Set up New South Wales' first try with a brilliant double pump and short ball to his former Roosters teammate Boyd Cordner. Also saved a try early in the second stanza to keep his side in the game. 7.5/10

7. Adam Reynolds

Was easily New South Wales' best on the night. His kicking game was on point for the most part, forcing a repeat set and finding the grass a number of times despite relentless pressure from Corey Parker. Looks set to wear the No.7 for NSW for a long time. 8.5/10

8. Aaron Woods

Had the honour of taking the first hit-up and churned out 85 metres and 12 tackles in a solid opening 29-minute stint but only played seven minutes after that. 6.5/10

9. Robbie Farah

Forced two repeat sets in what was an outstanding display of left-foot kicking. Came up with 52 tackles from 53 attempts and looked likely to create something special in attack at times. 8/10

10. Paul Gallen

Played 45 minutes straight to start the game and had some typically gutsy carries. Didn't come up with the second-phase footy we've seen from him in the past. 7/10

11. Boyd Cordner

Ran a perfect line to score off a Maloney short pass for the Blues' only try. Was the only NSW forward to crack 100 metres and looks right at home in sky blue. 8/10

12. Josh Jackson

Didn't let anyone down with 60 metres and 36 tackles. 7/10

15. James Tamou

Made the most of his start with 81 metres and 23 tackles. Probably outpointed his Cowboys teammate Matt Scott. 6.5/10

13. Greg Bird

Has had better games throughout his Origin career. Didn't have the bench impact he was predicted to provide. 6.5/10

14. Dylan Walker

Came on with 10 minutes to go and failed to get himself involved in the game. Came up with an error at the death that cruelled NSW of a late attacking raid. 2/10

16. David Klemmer

Only played 32 minutes but still ran for 85 damaging metres. Sent Michael Morgan reeling with a trademark charge 10 minutes into the second half. 7/10

17. Andrew Fifita

Made an immediate impact with a bulldozing 20-metre charge from a line dropout and had a couple of offloads in the red zone. 6.5/10